This was our first Covid hotel experience. While we live in Jamaica, Negril is a good 3+ hour drive from our home, so it really felt like we were traveling. We happily packed our Away Carry on Bags and off we went! We chose to forgo the famous Negril beach and instead chose to be on the picturesque West End or the "cliffs" and stay at Rock House Hotel.
Rock House did not disappoint. Their Covid Protocols were on point and covered all the bases. All staff wore masks at all times and guests must wear masks when moving about. Each room was sealed, indicating when it was cleaned. We were contacted daily asking if we needed cleaning. As a side note, the Jamaican government and the Tourism Regulatory Agency, TPDCO are quite stringent in setting protocols and best practices for all of Jamaica's tourism products in these pandemic times.
Rock House is breathtakingly beautiful, there is no doubt. You will not be disappointed with the endless Instagram worthy photos that you can take at this location. However, choose your room wisely and know what you are booking.
There are the rooms or Villas that are located directly on the cliffs. And then there are some more traditional style building style hotel rooms. For clarity I have included a map for easy reference and a brief description.
Rock House Villas 1-20
On the cliffs and all have private balconies, some with easy ladder access to the ocean and others with a little walk.
Premium Villas have your best location and best views, with direct front facing on the ocean. Villa 10 has a great location, right beside the Jump Bridge. (which can be a good thing and bad thing for people always wanting to go there)
Loft Villas and Garden Villas. We were to have the Loft Villa 13, but there was some maintenance issues so we were put in Garden Villa 9.
These had a ladder access to a top floor with 2 beds. It is doable for a short time, but for Max and Caelan at 19 and 15, it was not ideal. They soon abandoned our room to bunk with their Uncle in and Ocean View Suite.
Honestly these villas all have their pros and cons and so don't get too caught up in the location. Just know the AC may not be as strong as you like and all the showers are outdoor.
It is definite a rustic chic as all furniture are locally sourced and made. Very authentic and simple, yet sublime.
Ocean View Suites Luxury Block 21-28
These rooms are the newest addition to the Rock House rooms. They are the largest and have raging strong AC. They all have fabulous balconies that will give fabulous sunset views and even on the 3rd floor have wonderful outdoor showers. This is the room the boys abandoned us for: strong AC and WiFi. Their choice of rooms for a next visit.
Studio, Deluxe Standard & Standard Block Rooms 29-34
These rooms have a unique charm. They are set back and do seem a little darker. But if you are looking to enjoy the Rock House vibe and are on a budget, these would be a great option.
Of MurphyCo Note:
There is no denying the surreal beauty and simplicity of this place. No beach, but the bluest of seas. A definite must visit!
Covid Safety: We were careful not to intermingle and chat too much with other guests. But it is very easy here to be socially distant.
MurphyCo Quick Review:
For the Comfort Rating by Max and Caelan, the first rating is in their Garden Loft beds, we had Villa 9, the second is when they moved to the Ocean View Suites and "kotched" with their Uncle. Rock House Graciously added a twin bed and made up the day bed. Check out Rock House, go for the gram and you won't be disappointed.
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